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Federal laws prohibit human trafficking for any reason, including for the sex trade, forced labor, or involuntary servitude. The consequences of a conviction for any of these offenses can be extremely harsh and can include some combination of decades in prison, high fines, mandatory restitution orders, and the potential for civil liability. If you are facing any human trafficking charges, you should call a Nebraska federal human trafficking lawyer as soon as possible to understand your options.
Contacting a diligent federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as you become aware that you are the subject of an investigation into human trafficking can be crucial. Having aggressive legal representation from the beginning of your case may make it more likely for you to be able to effectively defend yourself from these criminal charges.
Human Trafficking in Nebraska
Trafficking refers to the movement of people or property across the borders of different states or countries. As a result, trafficking offenses primarily fall under the jurisdiction of federal law. Prosecutors often frame human trafficking as “modern-day slavery,” which sets up the accused for severe penalties, regardless of a person’s alleged level of involvement in the operation.
Human trafficking generally involves the illegal trade or sale of human beings for sexual exploitation or forced labor. In some cases, human trafficking can involve smuggling immigrants illegally into the country to have them work. In other cases, human trafficking may involve the recruitment of women and children, many of whom are homeless, drug addicts, or runaways, to participate in the sex trade. Regardless of the alleged circumstances, the criminal charges are serious and the assistance of a federal human trafficking attorney in Nebraska can be invaluable for anyone accused of this type of offense.
Federal Laws
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is a federal law designed to protect victims of human trafficking. Congress reauthorized the TVPA in 2003 and 2005. Under the TVPA, human trafficking is an offense that federal prosecutors may charge under the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statute. As part of the TVPA, courts may order individuals to pay restitution to human trafficking victims.
18 U.S.C. § 1581 et. seq. addresses various federal crimes involving human trafficking. All these offenses have incredibly severe punishments, including years in prison and fines. These offenses address sex trafficking of children, trafficking of persons for labor or servitude, and forcing others to perform labor, among other related crimes.
For instance, under 18 U.S.C. 1584, selling or holding individuals in involuntary servitude, or bringing individuals in involuntary servitude to the U.S. can result in up to 20 years in federal prison. This incarceration can increase to life imprisonment if the offense results in death, kidnapping, or aggravated sexual abuse, or any attempt to commit any of these additional offenses. When facing these charges, a detail-oriented federal human trafficking lawyer in Nebraska could build a strong defense to these charges, and prove that you should receive a lesser charge, a lighter sentence, or no conviction at all.
Talk to a Nebraska Federal Human Trafficking Attorney Today
You should take any allegations that you have been involved in human trafficking seriously and immediately begin building a defense to any potential charges. Often retaining a lawyer before you have been arrested or formally charged can improve your ability to successfully fight back against the charges. A Nebraska federal human trafficking lawyer can assess your situation and determine the best means of defense in your case. Call Berry Law today to get started.
